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The h answers are out there h to improve financially f ll `Financial parallels between MLSE `mega-deal' and personal finances': Watson 19 · Thursday, December 15, 2011 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.insideHALTON.com L ast week's surprise sale of the Toronto Maple Leafs can serve as a motivation to us with our own personal finances that anything is possible. Regardless of our personal financial situation or the challenges we face, there is a solution. Finally, after years of speculation the Toronto Maple Leafs where sold by the Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan, which owned 80 per cent of the team. Also included in the sale were the Toronto Marlies, the Leafs' farm team in the American Hockey League (AHL), Toronto Raptors, Toronto FC professional soccer team, and the Air Canada Centre. The sale was a major transaction and that made it front page news. However, the intriguing part was the unlikely purchase group in this deal. There is a parallel between this mega-deal and how individuals can make certain things happen with their own personal finances. The new owners will be tele- com giants and fierce competitors Bell Canada and Rogers. On the surface there appear to be more reasons why this sale should not be done. Bell and Rogers battle it out in the fiercely competitive cellphone and Internet services business. How could two business rivals unite and invest over $1 billion? Both sides were careful during the press conference to keep the negotiation details private. Without knowing the full details, we can only imagine that some creative logic was employed. These two giants will jointly own the Leafs and Raptors, however they will continue to compete to sell their respective services to the end consumer. In our new and interesting world of 24/7 and `anything is possible', these two companies pulled off an unlikely marriage. Did they face obstacles? Most definitely. Do many investors face obstacles? Absolutely. Our personal financial obsta- Dollars & Sense By Peter Watson "It is not the magnitude of your financial challenges that matters, but how focused, creative and persistent you will be to solve your financial challenges." younger generation to find wellpaying employment. All of these competing financial issues make it extremely difficult for individuals to accomplish all their financial issues and objectives. These are, no doubt, difficult times for many. Add to the normal challenges of personal finance the recent decline in value of most investors' portfolios and many are faced with difficult circumstances. Even for those that have planned diligently for many years, the decline in value of investments magnifies the underlying financial concerns. So, if you have financial diffi- cles may be to decrease our mortgage and personal consumer debt. Canada's Finance Minister and the head of the Bank of Canada have both been commenting on that during the past year. We have to save for retirement because we are living longer and fewer enjoy the luxury of good pensions. How can we save for the future when every-day life is so expensive? Another reality is children and grandchildren often need financial assistance for school, buying a first house or just with every day life. The weak global economy has made it difficult for many of the culties, you are not alone. Most people have financial issues. As large as your personal challenge is, it is likely others have far worse issues to deal with. The Maple Leafs sale was successfully negotiated. Other families will be able to find financial success despite their challenges. You, too, can find success. Regardless of how large your financial challenge is, there is a solution. The solution may not be easy and your initial efforts might not be fruitful, however it is crucial you remain steadfast and persevere. Seek the help of knowledgeable advisors in that field. Your problems are likely ones which they have dealt with before. It is not the magnitude of your financial challenges that matters, but how focused, creative and persistent you will be to solve your financial challenges. -- Submitted by Peter Watson, MBA, CFP, R.F.P., CIM, FCSI. Get Get Your Your Christmas Christmas Gifts Gifts Now. Now. Up to 50% off on Selected item, until Dec 24, 2011 QEW N Fairv r iew St. Walkers Line Cumberland Guelph Line 3300 Fairv rview St. · 905-639-2 2016 www. w bosand dco.c com Footwear X New St Mon - Wed 10am - 6pm, Thurs - Fri 10am - 8pm, Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 11am-5pm